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THE United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) Supreme Council is set to decide on applications and appeals submitted by former leaders and political figures seeking to return to the party, following a review process conducted by its Unity of the Nation Committee.
Committee member Datuk Othman Desa said the body held its first meeting earlier this month to establish guidelines and conditions for assessing submissions, with a second meeting expected after Aidilfitri to evaluate the applications received so far.
“We expect the second meeting to be held after Aidilfitri to assess every application and appeal that has been received. I am not certain of the total number, but submissions have already begun coming in, including from former leaders and certain prominent figures.
“The committee will examine each case because some involve the jurisdiction of the disciplinary board and the Supreme Council. Certain cases may be decided by the committee, while others considered serious offences will have their appeals decided by the Supreme Council meeting,” he said when contacted.
He added that the committee will submit recommendations to the UMNO Supreme Council on whether to accept or reject each application, although the final decision rests with the council.
It is understood that former members who left the party voluntarily without disciplinary action, including expulsion or suspension, may have their return decided at the committee level.
However, cases involving individuals who were expelled or suspended for breaching party discipline or committing serious offences will be referred to the Supreme Council for determination.
Othman, who is also chairman of UMNO Veterans and a Supreme Council member, described the response as encouraging since party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi signalled openness to welcoming back former members and leaders.
“Some have already met the president personally to submit their applications and appeals. I see a very positive response from former leaders and members,” he said.
Among those who have submitted appeals to return are former UMNO vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein and former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, along with former Jempol division chief Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif and former Tebrau division chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang.
Former Selangor UMNO chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar has also expressed willingness to return after leaving BERSATU, but has reportedly set a condition that UMNO first ends its cooperation with DAP within the Unity Government.
Meanwhile, former UMNO information chief Shahril Hamdan, who was suspended in 2023, recently indicated it is not yet the right time for him to rejoin, stating he is currently more comfortable remaining outside politics.
Former Melaka chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik and former Supreme Council member Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, who recently left BERSATU, have been mentioned as potential returnees. However, checks indicate that neither has submitted an application thus far.
The move follows a resolution at the UMNO General Assembly in January to establish Rumah Bangsa as a platform for former members to return, alongside Kolaborasi Agung, an initiative aimed at uniting Malay and Muslim-based political parties, including those in the opposition bloc. - March 25, 2026